"Out of My Scull" is fascinating, entertaining, and exciting – and, best of all, spilling over with humor. The author is a master storyteller, and she's crafted a gem that's hard to put down. "Out of My Scull" offers a unique perspective into the world of rowing. It's not a racing tale or a technical manual. Instead, it's the story of a woman's quest for the perfect recreational sport at age 50, leading her to the sliding seat of a scull where she found joy for 25 years. She tells her story of joining a rowing center, learning to row, and becoming incomparably smitten. It is part instructional manual for those unfamiliar with the sport and its sometimes-hilarious lingo and part exposure to the crazy challenges that may come along with it, such as rowing backward on a wildlife-populated, narrow, tidal river full of floating coolers, baby strollers, basketballs, sand bars, barges, bridges, and substantial tree limbs just waiting to knock rowers out of their sculls. It is part memoir about community and developing beautiful friendships with a crew who finds mishaps, fumbled rescues, and misunderstandings invariably amusing. Her crew laughs so much at what they encounter on and off the water that they earn the name Quadraphonics. 1st Place Delaware Press Association Out of My Scull: Mayhem & Misadventures on Delaware's Christina River Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers - Humor Judge Comment: As a person whose only experience with rowing was in Girl Scouts, I found Danielle Battaglia's book, Out of My Scull, interesting and entertaining. Those who are into rowing will appreciate the clearly rendered technical parts, some of which, I confess, I skimmed over. On the other hand, Danielle has just the right touch for humor. The word play and her anecdotes were well-crafted for humor (not easy to pull off without the attempt often falling flat or seeming to be trying too hard) and were both comical and relatable. Out of My Scull is a book that will inspire women - of any age - to gather a community of like-minded people and try new things. Congratulations on a fine book! Readers Favorite 5 star Editorial Review: Join Danielle Battaglia in her hilarious memoir as she introduces readers to the world of rowing. She lauds rowing as the perfect recreational sport for persons who are adventurous, willing to step out of their comfort zones, thrill seekers, and nature lovers. Rowing does not discriminate against age or gender. Battaglia reassures readers that even mature people will enjoy this breathtaking and invigorating sport. Out Of My Scull is guaranteed to provide readers with profound insight into this fascinating water sport. Danielle Battaglia's sense of humor brings out the beauty in this unique sport even more. Like everything in life, there's both an art and a science to rowing. I loved getting to understand the deeper workings behind this sport. Battaglia covers the technical and tactical aspects of rowing in an uncomplicated and effective way. I applaud her witty anecdotes and detailed descriptions. Battaglia's experiences on the Christina River were described well. As a water sports enthusiast, this book made me wish I was personally there. Fortunately, while reading Out of My Scull, I was able to experience every thrilling rush right alongside the author--even if momentarily so. Battaglia's book is a sure reminder that, regardless of age, life is to be enjoyed with good friends, and humor can be found even in the most stressful circumstances. Danielle J Battaglia holds a BS in Chemistry, an MBA, and an AA in Graphic Design. Her 30-year career spanned radiopharmaceutical research, professional association management, and negotiating joint ventures at the University of PA Health Care System. Danielle's journey took her from Buffalo, NY, to LA, to DC, and finally to Wilmington, DE. Retiring early, she explored horseback riding, Zumba, strength training, river rafting, bike riding, hiking, rollerblading, quad skating, agility training with her dog, and rock climbing. But when she landed in the sliding seat of a scull at age 50, she knew it would be her lifelong passion. More than 25 years later, she is still rowing with friends out of the Wilmington Rowing Center on the Christina River in Wilmington, DE. Her debut book humorously fictionalizes her rowing adventures. She lives in Kennett Square, PA, with her three cats, Darci the Doddledog, and her husband, Paul. She plans to continue rowing til she drops!